title: ADAM function in embryogenesis.
abstract: Cleavage of proteins inserted into the plasma membrane (shedding) is an essential process controlling many biological functions including cell signaling, cell adhesion and migration as well as proliferation and differentiation. ADAM surface metalloproteases have been shown to play an essential role in these processes. Gene inactivation during embryonic development have provided evidence of the central role of ADAM proteins in nematodes, flies, frogs, birds and mammals. The relative contribution of four subfamilies of ADAM proteins to developmental processes is the focus of this review.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Paige lab. Rm. 203, 161 Holdsworth Way, Amherst, MA 01003, United States. alfandar@vasci.umass.edu
authors.forename: Dominique
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Alfandari
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: McCusker
authors.forename: Hélène
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Cousin
mesh_terms: D051722:ADAM Proteins / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D000818:Animals; D002465:Cell Movement; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D047108:Embryonic Development; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological
chemical_list: D051722:ADAM Proteins